Domestic Violence and Abuse

What's domestic violence and abuse?

"Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality."

DVA can include, but is not limited to any of the following types of abuse:

psychological

physical

sexual

financial

emotional

DVA also includes so called 'honour' based violence such as female genital mutilation and forced marriage.

Who does it affect?

Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence and abuse - regardless of their gender, age, race, social group, disability, or sexuality. It can start at any time in a relationship and happen once every so often or on a regular basis.

How do I report domestic violence and abuse?

L&Q encourages residents to get in touch if they are affected by domestic violence and abuse so that they can receive the right help, support and advice. There are also a number of independent organisations that can offer appropriate advice and support - you'll find some of these listed below.

To report incidents of DVA to L&Q you can contact L&Q Direct. To help understand the situation better, we might ask for some of the following information:

What is happening?

Who is responsible?

Where is it happening?

How often does it happen?

Why do you think it is happening?

Has it been reported to the police? (If so, what is the crime reference number?)

Have you reported a related incident to L&Q before?

In an emergency you should always dial 999 and ask for the police. You can also call 101 if the issue is not an emergency but you'd still like to talk to the police.

What can I expect from L&Q?

L&Q will always put the victim first and we'll believe customers who report DVA to us and make sure their safety is the priority regardless of evidence.

We'll treat all reports confidentially wherever possible and protect the anonymity of both victims and witnesses. Exceptions to this may be where we believe someone is at a serious risk of harm, or we have concerns for the welfare of a child.

We'll offer victims an interview at a location they choose to discuss the individual circumstances of their case. This would be conducted by a train L&Q officer of the same sex and translation services can be provided if necessary.

Cases will be assessed within one full working day and a plan of action will be produced within seven working days. This will include being given a named case owner.

Where else can I get help and support?

Southall Black Sisters - 020 8571 0800
Information, advice, advocacy, practical help, counselling and support to Asian, African and Caribbean women and children experiencing domestic or sexual violence. The helpline is open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Men's Advice Line - 0800 801 0327
Confidential advice and support for men in abusive relationships. Lines are open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Broken Rainbow - 0300 999 5428
Support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people experiencing domestic violence. Lines are open from Monday to Thursdays, 10am to 8pm and Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10am to 5pm (1pm to 5pm Tuesdays is a Trans specific service)

Karma Nirvana - 0800 599 9247
Support to people affected by issues related to forced marriage or 'honour' crimes. Lines are open from 9.30am to 5pm